Shai Gilgeous-Alexander & Thunder Set Sights on Warriors’ 73-Win Record
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The Oklahoma City Thunder, led by reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, are openly embracing an ambitious goal: surpassing the Golden State Warriors’ historic 73-9 regular season record from 2015-16. Gilgeous-Alexander affirmed his team’s intent, stating, “Winning matters. And no matter what form it looks like to me. So absolutely,” during a press conference Friday.
A Historic Benchmark
The 2015-16 Warriors, featuring stars like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, dominated the league, starting their season with an impressive 24-0 record. Despite their regular season success, they ultimately fell short of an NBA championship, losing to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in a thrilling seven-game NBA Finals series.
Thunder’s Early Season Dominance
This year’s Thunder are off to a similarly blistering start, having won 24 of their first 25 games as of Friday. After an initial setback – a 121-119 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers – OKC embarked on a remarkable 16-game winning streak, with 13 of those victories coming by double-digit margins. Currently, the Thunder are outscoring opponents by an average of 17.4 points per game, showcasing their all-around dominance.
Gilgeous-Alexander Leads the Charge
The Thunder’s success is largely attributed to the exceptional play of Gilgeous-Alexander, who is averaging 32.6 points, 6.5 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game. However, the team’s strength extends far beyond its star player.
Depth and Defense: Keys to Success
OKC boasts remarkable depth, with an astounding 13 players averaging five or more points per game. This balanced scoring attack, coupled with the league’s No. 1 defensive rating, makes them a formidable opponent. The team’s ability to consistently contribute across the board is a significant factor in their current run.
Upcoming Challenge: Spurs in NBA Cup Semifinals
The Thunder will look to improve to 25-1 and advance to the NBA Cup finals for the second consecutive year when they face the San Antonio Spurs on Friday at 9 p.m. ET in T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. While the 73-win record remains a distant target, the Thunder’s early season performance suggests they are a team capable of achieving great things.
